-3rd Person POV-

In the heart of the studio, where the hum of technical equipment blended with the anticipatory murmurs of the live audience, the charismatic host took center stage. A polished professional, exuding confidence and charm, prepared to guide the viewers through a riveting broadcast conversation.

"Welcome back to our live show. For our next topic, is it really necessary for heroes to dress sexily? Let's ask our very special studio guests what they think."

The studio lights dimmed momentarily, creating suspense before illuminating the stage with a warm glow. The host continued with theatrical flair, "She's the rookie hero who debuted just this year. It's Mt. Lady!"

As the audience erupted in applause, the stage curtain gracefully ascended, revealing the rookie heroine standing center stage, her presence commanding attention. Dressed in her purple and pale tan-colored skintight bodysuit, Mt. Lady acknowledged the ovation with a wave and a twinkle in her eyes.

"And she's a pro who's currently teaching at U.A. High School, the incomparable Midnight!"

The stage lights shifted, spotlighting the entrance as Midnight stepped forward to a chorus of applause. Clad in her dominatrix-esque costume, she acknowledged the audience with an alluring wink, her left arm positioned behind her back in a display of confident vanity.

"Thank you so much for joining us!" the host said as the heroines took their designated seats. "Let's start with you, Midnight. When you first debuted, your revealing outfit caused quite a stir. In fact, it eventually led to the 'Regulations for Exposed Skin in Costumes' bill being taken before the legislature. You're a hero whose sexiness changed the very laws of the country."

"Her costume's still pretty racy," Mt. Lady commented in a sing-song voice, earning a look from Midnight before the latter brushed it off.

"Now I rely on ultra-thin fabrics," Midnight replied, her voice carrying a hint of practicality. "Because of the nature of some people's Quirks, clothing can restrict their abilities. Sexiness isn't just an aesthetic; it's sometimes needed so we can do our jobs well. Besides, what's more attractive than a hero who can get the job done quickly?"

"I think you just like the attention," Mt. Lady said tauntingly.

"What's with you, Lady? Are you trying to start a fight?" Midnight retorted, a small tick mark forming on her forehead as the host gestured for the heroines to calm down.

"Of course not! I look up to you! Despite the scar on your face, I think you're amazing!" Mt. Lady defended, her voice trailing off before she looked away, her expression deadpan. "For someone of your age."

"You can act like the blushing ingénue all you want, but you're not that young yourself, you know," Midnight countered, abruptly standing up as her anger rose.

"All I'm saying is if the older pros try too hard, then the rest of us have to go even further!" Mt. Lady proclaimed.

The exchange between the two heroines escalated, the tension in the studio palpable. The host's attempts to mediate seemed futile as the atmosphere crackled with the clash of opinions.

Tatsuya watched the heated exchange unfold on the television screen in a distant living room with a slightly unamused expression. His eyes followed the on-screen drama, the corners of his mouth hinting at a subtle indifference. The charismatic banter of the heroines played out before him, a fleeting moment of entertainment that failed to elicit more than a mild reaction in his surroundings.

"I knew there was something I didn't like about that woman," he sighed, his dissatisfaction with Mt. Lady evident as he changed the channel, leaving behind the on-screen heroines' banter. He then placed the remote next to Inko, who was comfortably seated on the couch.

"Tatsuya, should you really be looking up to Midnight to be your role model for being a hero?" Inko asked with a hint of hesitance in her tone, her eyes following her adopted son as he began to walk away.

The wolf boy sighed through his nose, a mix of frustration and contemplation marking his expression. Turning to face Inko, he spoke, "We've had this conversation before. Of course, I look up to her. After all, she saved my life."

"I know, but it's just that Midnight... she's, um, quite bold in her appearance and methods. I'm a bit concerned about her being your role model," Inko replied, her tone softening as she broached the subject with maternal concern.

"I know Midnight could be a bit provocative, but she's not all about that!" Tatsuya retorted defensively. "She is much more than her costume. She's strong and doesn't let anything stop her from being a hero."

"I understand, Tatsuya. But being a hero is not just about strength," Inko said softly. "It's also about making the right choices and being a positive influence on others."

"Underneath the indecency is a hero who reassures people that they will be fine, someone who's literally no different than All Might," the wolf boy replied, his tone carrying a hint of annoyance. "If that's not what a positive influence is, then I don't know what is."

Tatsuya turned away and walked toward his bedroom, crossing paths with Izuku, who was heading to the living room to investigate the conversation. Before the broccoli boy could ask Tatsuya what they were talking about, the wolf boy briskly shut the door.

Confused by Tatsuya's abrupt departure and the ensuing hush that enveloped the living room, Izuku stood for a moment. As he contemplated knocking on the wolf boy's door for an explanation, he heard a soft sigh from the living room. Turning toward the sound, Izuku found Inko, her expression carrying a subtle mix of remorse and understanding.

"I'm sorry, Tatsuya..." Inko's voice trailed off, leaving an atmosphere of unspoken complexities lingering in the air.

As Izuku moved to check on his mother, Tatsuya lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling as he rested his hands behind his head. Despite hearing the remorse in Inko's voice, a lingering frustration clung to the wolf boy. The weight of unspoken sentiments pressed upon him, leaving him grappling with mixed emotions. With an exasperated sigh, Tatsuya reached for a nearby pillow and smothered his head, seeking a moment of peace from the internal turmoil.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Alright. That's it for class today. There's only one week left before your final exams begin," Aizawa announced, sorting a stack of papers. "I'm sure you're studying constantly, right? Don't forget to keep training; the written exam is only one element. There's also the practical portion to worry about. Good luck." He headed out of the classroom.

"I've barely even taken notes this semester!" Kaminari and Ashido confessed simultaneously, the urgency in Kaminari's voice betraying the realization that time was slipping away. Meanwhile, Ashido, seemingly impervious to academic stress, responded with her carefree revelation.

"And with the sports festival and internship, I didn't have time to read the textbook," Kaminari added, a sense of regret evident in his words as Ashido seemed to laugh off their statuses as the lowest ranking in the class.

"It's true that we haven't had much free time lately," Tokoyami acknowledged, supporting Kaminari's statement. The collective weight of hero training had left little room for leisure, a shared sentiment among the students.

"Tis the cost of being a hero," Tatsuya remarked with a light sigh, his acknowledgment conveying an understanding of the sacrifices inherent in their chosen path.

"We'd barely learned anything when we took our midterms, so they didn't seem all that hard, but I'm kinda worried about these," Sato commented, voicing a concern shared by many. "We've been through a lot, and they probably won't pull any punches when it comes to testing us."

"As someone ranked in the top ten, I'm not that concerned," Mineta smugly declared, his confidence unwavering as he dismissed worries about the upcoming written exam. The assurance in his voice stemmed from his position as the ninth highest, a fact he proudly flaunted.

"What?! You were ninth in the midterms?!" Ashido and Kaminari exclaimed simultaneously, their disbelief evident in their animated reactions.

"Aw, man, and here I thought you were one of us!" Ashido chimed in, a mixture of surprise and disappointment coloring her tone.

"Don't you know weirdo little creeps like you are only likable when they're kinda stupid?!" Kaminari exclaimed incredulously. "Who's going to love you now?!"

"Everyone. Trust me," Mineta replied condescendingly.

"I doubt that," Tatsuya retorted, injecting a note of realism into the conversation.

"Ashido! Kaminari!" Izuku called out, rallying the attention of his classmates with a sense of urgency. "We still got time to study! That way, we'll all get to the training camp together!"

"Yes! I have high hopes that we'll make U.A. proud!" Iida proclaimed with an earnest sense of determination.

"It's pretty hard to fail if you just pay attention in class, isn't it?" Todoroki said, offering a pragmatic perspective on academic success.

"Why you gotta cut me down like that...?" Kaminari whined, clutching his chest in distress.

"Hey, don't worry about it, you two. I can catch you up to speed on the important topics if you want," Yaoyorozu generously offered her willingness to help ease the tension.

"You're the best, Yaomomo!" Kaminari and Ashido chimed in unison, their gratitude evident as they embraced the support.

"I'm afraid I won't be any help when it comes to the practical, though," Yaoyorozu mumbled, her subdued admission introducing a touch of vulnerability amid the otherwise uplifting conversation.

Tatsuya's attention shifted as Jiro, Sero, and Ojiro approached Yaoyorozu for additional guidance, signaling the collective commitment among the students to fortify their academic standing. "I'm quite content with where I stand right now. Though, it wouldn't hurt to study a little more as I prepare for the practical."

"Um... Akiba?" Tatsuya turned toward Hagakure, immediately catching the subtle signs of her nervousness. The ends of her sleeves danced nervously as she touched her fingertips together. "C-can you, um... can you t-tutor me, please?"

Raising an inquisitive eyebrow at Hagakure's unusual demeanor, Tatsuya recognized her usual peppy nature replaced by a hint of anxiety. He maintained his stoic composure, his calm gaze giving off an air of reassurance. He quickly understood her motivation, considering she was ranked sixteenth in the midterms and likely wanted to avoid falling behind.

"Are you sure you want me to tutor you?" the wolf boy questioned with genuine curiosity. His voice, though unwavering, held a warm undertone that provided a comforting contrast. "Wouldn't you be better off being tutored by Yaoyorozu? She got first in the midterms." He nodded toward the vice deputy, emphasizing the logical choice.

"Yeah, but I don't want to burden her by tutoring me on top of the others," Hagakure explained.

"So, you'd rather be a burden to me?" Tatsuya's deadpan expression immediately broke into a playful grin upon sensing the panic in Hagakure's scent. "Just kidding. Of course, I'll tutor you."

Hagakure pouted. "Don't do that," she playfully chided, her expression softening as she realized Tatsuya's good-natured banter was meant to ease her nerves.

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-Tatsuya's POV-

"I'm kinda scared about the practical. I have no idea what it will be," Izuku admitted as we sat at a table in the cafeteria with the usual group, plus Tsu and Todoroki.

"Hard to believe they'd give us anything too crazy," Iida said before taking a bite of his lunch, attempting to inject a note of reassurance into the discussion.

"The written exam should be stuff we learned in class, so we should be decent there," I chimed in, grappling with a piece of steak using my chopsticks.

"Do you really think it's going to be that simple?" Uraraka nervously asked, echoing the unease that lingered beneath the surface of our thoughts.

"I just wanna know what they'll have us doing," Izuku expressed, capturing the collective sentiment of our group as the anticipation for the exam.

"It's a comprehensive test of everything we learned this year," Hagakure said, supporting my thoughts on the exam.

"Yup, and that's about all we could get Mr. Aizawa to tell us," Tsu added, her calm demeanor doing little to dispel the underlying tension in the air. The limited information provided by our teacher only fueled our curiosity and unease.

"Okay, so then it'll cover combat and rescue training," Uraraka speculated, her attempt at breaking down the potential areas of focus doing little to alleviate the growing sense of apprehension. "Oh, and basic training."

"We can't just study—we have to stay in great physical shape—" Izuku began to voice his concern before being abruptly cut off when something struck the back of his head.

"Oh, sorry. Your head's so big that it's hard to miss." The mocking sound of Monoma's voice intruded into our conversation, and my gaze shifted sharply toward the perpetrator.

"You're from Class 1-B; um... Monoma, right?" Izuku asked, rubbing the back of his head while giving him a deadpan look. "That really hurt—"

"I heard you guys stumbled across the Hero Killer," Monoma interjected, abruptly cutting off Izuku's protest. The mention of the Hero Killer seized his attention along with Iida, Todoroki, and myself, our expressions turning serious. "Just like the sports festival, Class 1-A isn't happy unless they're the center of attention. But you do realize you're not in the spotlight because people think you're good heroes, right?" he added, a condescending tone underscoring his words.

"I don't know what you're talking about," I responded, standing to confront him directly. My face was inches away from his, the tension palpable as I continued, "But if you don't apologize to Izuku, you're going to get a right hook to the jaw, blondie."

"Don't think I forgot about you, Mr. Pooch," Monoma retorted, his smug smirk almost a challenge as he met my intense glare. "I also heard about that little incident at Nerima-Ku. With the USJ, the Hero Killer, and your little encounter with those cannibals, you idiots sure keep getting into so much trouble. Are you happy that Mirko saved your tail?"

My scowl deepened, my instincts stirring at his insults towards us. Unconsciously, my claws extended, reacting to the tension in the air. Monoma's smirk only widened at my reaction, relishing the response he drew out of me.

"Here's food for thought: Someday, the rest of us might get caught up in your mess, and then we'll all become unwitting victims as well. What kind of horrible villains will you bring down upon us? What demon—" Monoma's tangent was abruptly cut short by Kendo, who silenced him with a swift chop to the neck.

"That's not funny, Monoma. You heard what happened to Iida! Chill out!" Kendo chided the blonde, her grip firm on the back of his collar as she turned toward us. "I apologize for him. I'm pretty sure there's a hole where his heart should be."

"I'd call it an abyss," I thought, giving Monoma a look of disdain.

"So, I was listening..." Kendo continued, raising a hand to the side of her head. "I know you're all worried about what's going to be on the big final practical. I heard it's gonna be combat against robots, like the entrance exam."

"What, really? How do you know that?" Izuku asked in surprise.

"One of my friends who's a few grades up filled me in," Kendo explained, gesturing to herself with her thumb. "I know, cheating, but oh well."

"No, I don't think so," Izuku replied, thoughtfully putting a hand to his chin. "I'm sure gathering information ahead of time is also part of the test. I definitely should've found an upperclassman to ask. Darn it, why didn't—"

I interrupted his muttering with an abrupt chop to the head before Kendo could get weirded out. Izuku let out a yelp, and I shot him a glance. "You're doing it again," I remarked, my action aimed at bringing a lighthearted touch to the conversation.

"What kind of idiot are you, Kendo? You just gave away our whole strategic advantage!" Monoma said, his strained voice reaching up towards us. "This was our chance to finally pull ahead of that class full of idiots—"

Kendo swiftly silenced him with another chop to the neck before dragging him away. "They're not the idiots!"

Watching the scene unfold, I couldn't help but think of Kendo as a protective big sister to her classmates. The atmosphere lightened as the tension from Monoma's condescension dissipated.

"She's like their class's big sister, huh?" Izuku observed with an awkward sweat drop.

"Glad to know Class 1-B has someone to keep that prick in check," I remarked, rolling my eyes in annoyance as I settled back into my seat.

"I know you want to defend us, Akiba, but there was no need to threaten violence on him!" Iida scolded, doing his trademark hand wave in my direction.

"I've hit people for much worse, you know," I retorted, casting him a side-eye.

"Believe me, he has," Izuku nervously added.

"That doesn't make it any better, ribbit," Tsu commented.

While I felt the urge to argue that people like Tsu and I have dealt with people who oppress heteromorphs because we looked different, I refrained from delving into a heavier topic. Instead, I offered a light scoff before diverting my attention to the meal in front of me.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

At the end of the day, we gathered the class to share the information Kendo had disclosed. The news gave most a sense of ease, with Kaminari and Ashido, in particular, expressing their joy.

"All right!" they both cheered in unison.

"This will be super easy if it's just robots!" Kaminari said confidently.

"Such awesome news!" Ashido added with a hint of relief.

"Why do you sound so happy? You both have a hard time controlling your Quirks," Shoji astutely pointed out, bringing a touch of realism to the enthusiastic atmosphere.

"Yeah, but I can let loose with robots!" Kaminari remarked, his eyes gleaming with excitement as he raised his arms in anticipation of the upcoming challenge.

"And melting them will be a cinch for me!" Ashido chimed in, echoing Kaminari's enthusiasm.

"Now you just need Yaoyorozu to help you study, and you'll be set for finals!" Sero said, adding a touch of optimism to the conversation.

"We'll definitely be able to go to the training camp now!"

"It sounds too good to be true. There has to be a catch," I mused, my mind deeply engaged as I pondered the potential complexities beneath the seemingly straightforward information.

Now that I've had time to calm down, I've pondered what Kendo said. Don't get me wrong—I'm grateful for her inside information, but something wasn't right. Considering everything that has happened since we've been at U.A., from the surprise attack at the USJ in the first week to Izuku, Iida, and Todoroki confronting the Hero Killer, and my own encounter with two cannibalistic villains, the common pattern is that we've faced real, dangerous threats. We walked away from those encounters with injuries, some being quite severe. I doubt the teachers would allow us to simply face robots after all that.

Bakugo's irritated voice cut through the atmosphere, disrupting the excitement in the room. "It shouldn't matter if it's robots or actual people," he said, annoyance evident in his tone. "Why are you morons so excited?"

"Here we go again," I sarcastically thought, letting out a sigh as I rolled my eyes.

"Hey! Who are you calling a moron?!" Kaminari exclaimed, sharing an indignant look with Ashido.

"Shut up!" Bakugo barked, quashing their protests with a sharp command. "You need to learn how to control your Quirk! Ya got it?!"

His intense gaze shifted to Izuku. "Hey, Deku! I don't know what's going on with your power, but I saw the way you were using it now, and I want you to know... it's seriously pissing me off."

"Everything about him pisses you off, your point?" I pondered, brushing off his childish outburst with a casual demeanor. I leaned my head into my palm, showing no attention to the tirade, though I kept an eye on him in case he tried anything.

"I won't have another bullshit win like the festival. We'll be getting individual scores in the upcoming finals— new rankings! So we'll all know exactly where we're standing! I'll show you how much better I am," the ash-blonde declared, his resolve evident. He shifted his intense gaze to Todoroki. "You too, Todoroki!"

"And especially you, Akiba!" The unexpected callout brought a twinge of surprise, though I concealed it behind a composed exterior. "You think your some hot shit trying to one-up me, but that will never happen! I will kill you!" he proclaimed, his words dripping with hostility.

Before I could retort to his aggressive challenge or call out his claim on our fight being "bullshit," Bakugo stormed out of the classroom in a fit of rage, punctuating his exit with the resounding slam of the door.

"It's been a while since I've seen him this worked up," Kirishima commented, his voice hinting at a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Is this impatience or hatred?" Tokoyami wondered aloud, his question hanging in the air as the class collectively considered the volatile emotions that seemed to fuel Bakugo's determination.

"I think it's jealousy," I mentally retorted, rolling my eyes at Bakugo's behavior as I snatched my backpack and made my way toward the exit without uttering a word.

---------------------------------------------------------

-3rd Person POV-

Following up on their plans for the weekend, Hagakure stepped through the door of a cozy cafe, and the gentle chime of a bell announced her arrival. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the low hum of conversations enveloped her, creating a welcoming atmosphere. With a warm cup in hand, the invisible girl found Tatsuya in a corner seat by the window, the soft sunlight filtering through the curtains as he was organizing his study materials. 

Hagakure noticed the wolf boy stop what he was doing as he picked up on her arrival. Tatsuya's nose twitched subtly, a telltale sign that he had detected her presence before she even approached.

A small, genuine smile played on Tatsuya's lips as he looked up from his study materials. "You made it," he greeted, his ears perking up slightly in acknowledgment. Hagakure couldn't help but appreciate the warmth in his voice. It was a reassuring welcome, making her feel grateful for the company during their upcoming study session.

"Of course, I asked you to help me after all," Hagakure merrily remarked, her invisible form gracefully settling into the seat across from him.

Tatsuya rolled his eyes playfully and shook his head, appreciating the lighthearted banter. "Well, let's make the most of our time," he suggested, gesturing toward the textbooks spread across the table. As they delved into their studies, the ambient noise of the cafe became a distant backdrop to the focused collaboration between the duo, determined to conquer the challenges of U.A.'s final exams.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Some time passed, and the cafe atmosphere continued to provide a soothing backdrop to their study session. The soft murmur of conversations and the occasional clinking of cups complemented the focused air around the duo. Tatsuya found himself explaining a challenging math problem to Hagakure; his brow furrowed in concentration.

"...And if you factor the quadratic equation, you'll find the roots that represent the x-intercepts," the wolf boy explained, his fingers deftly working through the steps in the textbook. The equations on the page seemed to come alive under his guidance, each symbol and variable falling into place.

Hagakure took in the information with great curiosity, her invisible form appearing to lean into the conversation. She nodded, the clarity in Tatsuya's explanations transcending the physical constraints of her invisible form. The sunlight filtered through the cafe's window, casting a warm glow on the pages they huddled over.

As Tatsuya delved deeper into the intricacies of the problem, the ambient noise of the cafe merged with the rhythm of their shared pursuit of knowledge. The duo, lost in the world of mathematical problem-solving, created a harmonious blend of academic collaboration amidst the cozy ambiance of the cafe.

As the last vestiges of the quadratic function problem fell into place, a sense of accomplishment enveloped the small corner of the cafe where Tatsuya and Hagakure were engrossed in their studies.

With a dramatic sigh of relief, Hagakure leaned back in her chair, her invisible form expressing a visible sense of gratitude. "Phew, I wouldn't have made it through this without your help, Akiba. Thank you for everything," she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine appreciation.

Though not one to actively seek acknowledgment, Tatsuya offered a nod in response, a subtle smile playing on his lips. "You're welcome," he replied before standing up. "Excuse me a moment." The wolf boy's movements conveyed a sense of purpose as he excused himself from the study session.

"Did he want to get something?" Hagakure thought, tilting her head curiously as she saw Tatsuya approach the counter with a composed demeanor, his presence seemingly undisturbed by the bustling environment of the cafe.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, and the warm glow of the hanging lights added a coziness to the scene. Hagakure couldn't help but admire the tranquil atmosphere, finding solace in the cafe's ambiance as she awaited Tatsuya's return.

"Hey, beautiful!" Hagakure turned to see two guys standing beside the wolf boy's booth.

The soft murmur of the cafe surrounded them, creating a gentle background noise that blended with the light melody playing overhead. The dim glow of the pendant lights added a touch of intimacy to the booth, casting a warm illumination on Tatsuya as he sat calmly. The two guys' vibrant personalities disrupted the serene atmosphere with their boisterous approach. One of them, exuding confidence, extended an invitation with a charismatic smile.

"You wanna come have some maté tea with us?" the first guy asked, his voice carrying across the cozy space of the cafe. The aromatic notes of various teas lingered in the air, creating a sensory backdrop to the unfolding scene. In contrast to the first, the second guy took on a more cautious tone, adding a touch of sincerity to the interaction.

"Hey! You don't know her yet, so don't speak so casually!" the other guy chastised the first. His voice, though firm, held an undertone of friendliness, echoing in the background of the cafe's ambient sounds. The clash between the tranquility of the cafe setting and the lively arrival of the two newcomers added an unexpected layer to the moment, leaving Hagakure momentarily torn between the contrasting energies.

"Am I... getting hit on? Oh, gosh..." Hagakure thought, her invisible form instinctively adjusting her posture to convey a polite yet uncomfortable smile. "Sorry, I'm with someone," she gently declined, her response delivered with a composed demeanor that concealed the momentary flutter of awkwardness.

The guys seemed momentarily taken aback by her response. The ebb and flow of cafe life continued around them, the rhythmic sounds creating a sense of continuity even as the unexpected encounter unfolded.

"Oh, really..." the first guy replied, his tone carrying a hint of feigned disappointment. His charismatic demeanor appeared momentarily deflated, briefly pausing the energetic exchange. Meanwhile, the second guy, undeterred, swiftly pivoted to a different approach.

"Then, how about just one cup?" the second guy suggested, lifting an index finger to emphasize the singular nature of the invitation. "Maté tea's really good, you know!" Before Hagakure could reply, he reached out, attempting a casual gesture by grabbing her wrist.

"Huh?" The unexpected touch caught Hagakure off guard, her invisible form tingling with surprise and unease. The subdued hum of the café's ambiance seemed to fade into the background, creating a peculiar stillness that encapsulated the unfolding scene. "Hey..." she began, her voice a soft murmur that danced on the edges of the surrounding conversations. Undeterred by her initial resistance, the guy started tugging her gently out of the booth, his movements betraying a hint of persistence as the subtle tension escalated.

In that moment, she grappled with self-preservation and a desire to navigate this situation without escalating tension. Uncertain of how to proceed, Hagakure's invisible presence remained silent in the unfolding drama, her emotions, thoughts, and feelings dancing on the delicate precipice of an unexpected encounter.

"Hey..." A calm yet firm voice cut through the air, prompting the two men to shift their attention. Turning around, they were met with the sight of Tatsuya, a stoic demeanor masking a contained fury that simmered in his eyes. The wolf boy stood tall, holding a drink carrier that cradled two to-go cups. His presence exuded a subtle but unmistakable threat, challenging the audacity of the men's actions. "What do you think you're doing?"

The second guy, attempting to feign confidence, retorted, "W-who's asking?" His attempt at bravado, however, couldn't mask the subtle tremor in his voice, a nuance not lost on Tatsuya. The wolf boy's gaze remained steady, his expression unreadable yet radiating an intensity that made it clear he wasn't to be underestimated. Amid the unfolding tension, Hagakure perked up, her invisible form lending an air of anticipation to the scene.

"I'm with her, so of course I'm asking," Tatsuya declared, setting the drink carrier on an unoccupied table with deliberate precision. The atmosphere in the cafe seemed to shift, the subdued hum of conversation momentarily giving way to the underlying tension of the confrontation.

"We can do this the easy way, and you just let go of her, or the hard way. Your choice," he continued, his words carrying an unspoken warning. His stance exuded an air of controlled readiness, leaving the ball firmly in their court.

A tense moment hung in the air, the cafe's ambient noise seemingly hushed as Tatsuya, the two guys, and even Hagakure locked eyes in a silent standoff. The weight of the unspoken threat lingered, and time seemed to stand still for a heartbeat.

"Come on..." the second guy muttered, relinquishing his grip on Hagakure. With a visible slump of their shoulders, the two guys took a step back, their retreat marked by an uneasy shuffle.

The ambient noise of the cafe gradually resumed, but the residual tension lingered, casting a subdued shadow over the immediate surroundings.

"Scumbags..." Tatsuya scoffed, his voice a low growl as he watched the two troublemakers hastily exit. A concerned glance passed between him and Hagakure as he turned to her, the intensity of his eyes softening. "Are you okay?" he inquired, the genuine worry evident in his tone, a stark contrast to the lingering tension in the air.

"Y-yeah, thanks," the invisible girl replied, her voice carrying a palpable sigh of relief as she gingerly settled into the comfortable booth.

The subdued lighting of the cafe embraced her, casting a gentle glow on the table before her. The contrast between the resuming normalcy and the lingering threat painted an eerie backdrop as if the air held the memory of the tense encounter. The ambient hum of conversation and the clinking of cups regained prominence, attempting to wash away the unsettling residue of the recent confrontation.

"Um... Why do you do that?" Hagakure nervously asked, her voice laced with curiosity as she ventured into a topic that had piqued her interest.

"Do what?" Tatsuya replied, a single eyebrow raised in mild intrigue.

"Almost every time a tense conversation happened, you would always threaten or challenge them," she explained, the invisible girl's fingertips lightly tapping against the tabletop as she sought to understand the underlying motivation. "Why is that? That isn't always the answer."

Tatsuya leaned back in the booth, the flickering light of the chandelier above them casting shadows on his thoughtful expression. A moment of contemplative silence passed before he offered a measured response. "Sometimes... I get a little ahead of myself, but Izuku's always there to keep me level-headed and rational."

"I've tried being kind, but it ends up biting us back," Tatsuya continued, his voice carrying a touch of vulnerability and his drooped ears betraying the conflict within. "We helped this one girl from being bullied during our first year in junior high, and it ended with her talking badly about us behind our backs, thus making the bullying mainly target us."

"That's horrible!" Hagakure brought her hands to her mouth in disbelief.

Tatsuya gave her a weary nod as he grabbed the to-go cups from the unoccupied table and gave one to her. "After a certain... incident before that, I decided that everyone but a select few was a villain—though not in the same sense as the ones in the USJ incident. It was a difficult time back then." He leaned on the table, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"...Are you okay?" Hagakure asked after what felt like an eternity of silence, her invisible presence casting concern over the table.

"I'm fine, just... memories." Tatsuya let out a shaky sigh, the weight of his experiences evident in the thoughtful furrow of his brow. "I know that what I've done in those situations isn't the friendliest or most heroic, but people don't always stop what they're doing even if they are aware of it."

"Don't get me wrong," he added, his eyes meeting Hagakure's with sincerity and openness, "I see your point; there are other ways to handle things, but sometimes kind words aren't enough." The wolf boy's admission carried a hint of resignation, acknowledging the harsh realities he had faced and the limitations of purely diplomatic approaches in certain situations.

Hagakure sat silently, her gaze fixed on her leftover cup of coffee. Tatsuya's explanation lingered in the air, and she grappled with the weight of his experiences. The comparison of his stoic exterior and the vulnerability he had revealed created a complex tapestry of emotions within her. While she appreciated his honesty, a sense of unease settled over her, prompting introspection on the intricacies of heroism. In the quiet of the cafe, she pondered the blurred lines between justice and pragmatism, wondering if, in a world filled with Quirks and conflicts, Tatsuya's approach held a painful truth that transcended the simplicity of kind words.

Hagakure took a moment to absorb the wolf boy's words, feeling a profound connection to the complexities of his perspective. Despite the weight of the discussion, her typically bubbly demeanor broke through as she looked up with a warm smile.

"You know, Akiba, maybe sometimes a mix of both is the key," she offered, her eyes sparkling with optimism. "Sure, people might not always stop with just kind words, but adding a sprinkle of charm and understanding to your strong stance could make a big difference. It's like a superhero combo, right? Brains and brawn!" Her tone carried a lighthearted bounce, a testament to her unwavering belief in the power of positivity.

Tatsuya was caught off guard by the unexpected twist in her perspective. The depth of her insight and the genuine belief in the power of positivity resonate with him in a way he hadn't anticipated. The wolf boy found himself momentarily at a loss for words. He had yet to give much thought to blending charm and understanding with his straightforward approach to diffusing situations.

At that moment, he pondered the possibility of a different path, one where the strength of kind words and a positive demeanor could complement his unwavering stance. However, breaking away from the comfort of his tried-and-true methods stirred a sense of reluctance within him, like a lone wolf contemplating the unfamiliarity of a new territory.

The subtle furrow of his brows and the thoughtful gaze in his eyes betrayed a mind processing the unexpected proposition. A hesitant exhale escaped him, carrying the weight of reluctant contemplation. "I'll... consider it," he eventually conceded, the words carrying a measured tone hinting at his internal struggle.

A serene smile touched Hagakure's lips, reflecting the genuine relief that echoed in her soft words. "That's all I ask," she replied, her tone carrying an undertone of gratitude.

The cafe, once a battleground of tension, now held a subtle shift in atmosphere. This shared understanding transcended the complexities of heroism and approached the simplicity of finding common ground. The weight of Tatsuya's consideration hung in the air, a pivotal moment that unfolded with the quiet resonance of an unspoken connection.

The wolf boy decided it was time to pack up his stuff and leave, feeling a quiet weight settling over him. As he began to distance himself from the table, he sensed a gentle hand on his shoulder, halting his departure. Glancing back, he discovered it belonged to Hagakure, her touch offering a reassuring anchor in the swirling sea of emotions.

"I'll be there whenever you need me. You know that, right?" Hagakure's reminder carried a soft reassurance, her invisible form offering a comforting touch amidst the lingering echoes of the conversation.

Tatsuya felt a subtle sting as he bit his lower lip, a silent effort to quell the unexpected tremor that threatened to betray the depth of his emotions. The genuine gesture had touched a chord within him, and he grappled with the unanticipated surge of feelings. "Yeah..." he responded, his voice carrying a hint of vulnerability, a testament to the unspoken connection forged between them.

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A/N: I hope all of you lovely readers enjoyed this chapter! I'm thrilled to have it wrapped up and delivered to you before 2024 kicks in. Thanks a ton for your ongoing support! Feel free to leave ideas, comments, feedback, etc., in the comments. Your constructive input is always valued and deeply appreciated. Also, I wanted to check in with you all – do you feel I'm handling the trigger warnings appropriately? Your insights on this matter would be incredibly helpful. 

Wishing everyone a safe and joyful New Year!

Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you in the next chapter!